J-Roll Yanked in Philly June 5, 2008
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Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel showed the intestinal fortitude Thursday that may help propel his streaking club to a second straight N.L. East title. After witnessing shortstop and reigning N.L. most valuable player Jimmy Rollins fail to run out an apparent inning-ending pop-up that was dropped, the skipper told one of his highest profile stars to take the rest of the game off. Rollins had barely reached first base when Reds shortstop Paul Janish committed the error, allowing catcher Carlos Ruiz to score. Choosing not to completely embarrass his star by sending out a pinch runner, Manuel made the switch after the inning had ended and inserted Eric Bruntlett at shortstop. The Phils went on to win the game 5-0 as ace lefty Cole Hamels got back on track with a complete game, 3-hit shutout of Cincinnati.
In an era where many managers and coaches cater to their big name players, Manuel stepped up and showed that even the best need to play the game the right way or not at all – at least in the City of Brotherly Love. The manager was curt with the Philly press after the game, “Jimmy and I took care of that,” he said. “That’s a done issue.”
To his credit, Rollins appeared to handle the move well. "He has two rules – be on time and hustle; and I broke one of them today. It’s my fault," Rollins said. "That’s like breaking the law and getting mad when the police show up."
The Phillies have won 9 of their last 11 games to improve to 36-26. They lead Florida by 2 games in the East despite Rollins and dynamic center fielder Shane Victorino missing significant time due to injury and first baseman Ryan Howard’s .206 batting average.
The humbled shortstop was seen cheering for teammates in the dugout shortly after being removed from the game. "We’re a team," Rollins said. "I’m not going to be a distraction that way. I did what I did, OK, but I still have to pull for my team. It’s not their fault. They shouldn’t have to worry about that becoming a distraction."
It’s always unfortunate to see a lack of effort in between the lines. But in this case it appears that both manager and player handled it as well as can be expected.
Chasing History? June 1, 2008
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Phillies second baseman Chase Utley continued his MVP-caliber season today, belting his major league-leading 20th home run and leading Philadelphia to a 7-5 victory over the Florida Marlins. The win moved the Phils a half-game ahead of the Marlins for first place in the N.L. East.
Utley homered for the fourth consecutive game today, beginning June as hot as he has been for the season’s first two months. His April and May have helped put him on pace to shatter the single season record for home runs by a second baseman (42 by Rogers Hornsby in 1922 and Davey Johnson in 1973) and have provided him with a legitimate chance to become the first second baseman to lead the majors in home runs since Hornsby did it in 1925.
While its doubtful Chase can maintain his current home run pace (which would put him at 57 for the season), playing his home games at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Ballpark certainly won’t hurt his cause. According to ESPN’s park factor statistic, which compares the rate of stats at home vs. the rate of stats on the road, the Phillies home park was the seventh-most home run friendly park in MLB this season through May 31. Utley has hit 15 of his 20 home runs at home this year with a comparable number of home/road at-bats (116 home, 105 road). Chase’s compact and level swing, remarkably quick hands and impeccable plate coverage make him less susceptible to prolonged slumps than other power hitters may endure over a long season. Add in that he has been superb versus left-handed pitching (.315 with 11 home runs through Sunday) and it’s easy to see why he is the early favorite to become the third consecutive Phillies infielder to win the N.L. MVP (Ryan Howard 2006 and Jimmy Rollins 2007).
Utley is widely regarded as the top offensive second baseman in baseball. More than just a power hitter, after today’s game he ranked fifth in MLB in doubles (16), fourth in OPS (1.063), third in slugging percentage (.665), second in runs scored (47) and RBI (50) and was hitting .312. He also is a perfect six-for-six in stolen base attempts. But the throwback Utley prides himself on being a complete player and has worked tirelessly on improving his defense. Utley currently ranks second in MLB in both ESPN’s range factor and zone rating measures, indicating that he not only gets to a lot of balls but is also efficient at making plays in his "zone." Chase made a brilliant backhand play and off-balance throw on a Jeremy Hermida grounder up the middle in today’s game.
The old-school Utley does whatever it takes to win games, and that includes getting hit by a pitch. Though his back foot is virtually on top of the white line that marks the inside of the batters’ box, you won’t see Utley wearing any of the protective gear that many hitters use in today’s game. He led the majors in 2007 with 25 HBP and though he doesn’t mind taking one for the team, Philly fans might. One of those 25, courteousy of Washington Nationals pitcher John Lannan, broke Chase’s hand last season and cost him 28 games and perhaps the MVP (he hit .332, 22 HR and 103 RBI in ‘07). 
Teammates and coaches refer to Utley as a "diamond rat," a guy who simply cannot get enough of the game. "I’ve never seen a guy as prepared as Chase," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "He’s always early, and he hits every day. He eats it and sleeps it."
As a fan, it is refreshing to see a superstar who respects the game and plays it accordingly – no fist-pumping antics, no standing at home plate and admiring home runs and no showing up opponents. Just putting in the effort and putting up the numbers that may end up as the greatest season by a second baseman in the history of baseball.
Big League Chatter Salutes Todd Jones. May 27, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in ..Major League Baseball, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies.add a comment
There are thirty closers in the Major Leagues at the beginning of each season. Chances are at the end of the season one-third of the original closers will no longer be in that position. It is impressive to see a closer retain his job year after year. Todd Jones is one of those guys who has been on top of the mountain, leading the American League in saves with 42 in 2000, and has also been in the depths of the sea barely hanging on in the Majors in 2003. Jones doesn’t have electric stuff but he has been a reliable relief pitcher for most of his career and that’s why we salute Todd Jones of the Detroit Tigers.
Todd Jones was born April 24th, 1968 in Marietta, Georgia. Jones attended Osborne High School in Marietta and went on to attend Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Todd was drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 1989 Major League draft. Jones started his career for the Astros in 1993 going 1-2 with 2 saves, 28 holds, while posting a 3.13 ERA in 37.1 innings. He got his first shot as a full-time closer in 1997 for the Detroit Tigers. Jones saved 31 games for the Tigers that year while posting
a 3.09 ERA in 70 innings. Jones’ best season was in 2000. He was chosen to be a member of the American League All-Star Team and was named the "Rolaid’s Reliever of the Year" by saving 42 games. The Tigers even sold a t-shirt that said, "Only the Lord saves more than Todd Jones." Todd went on to save 142 games for Detroit from 1997-2001 before being traded to the Twins. Jones floated from team to team from 2001 till 2005 playing for the Rockies, Red Sox, Reds, and Phillies before landing in Florida in 2005. Todd replaced Antonio Alfonseca as the Marlins closer after Alfonseca succumbed to injury. Jones revived his career as a closer by saving 40 games posting a 2.10 ERA in 73 innings for the Marlins. After the 2005 season Todd was viewed as a valuable commodity again and was signed by his former team the Detroit Tigers to a two-year contract. Jones’ Tigers came out of nowhere in 2006 to win the American League pennant before losing to the Cardinals in the World Series. During the 2006 season Jones became the Tigers all-time saves leader passing former Tiger great Mike Henneman. Todd saved 37 games for Detroit in 2006 while posting a 3.94 ERA in 64 innings. On September 16th, 2007 Jones became the 21st member of the 300-save club by tying Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter.
Todd Jones will never be remembered as a dominant closer, in fact many refer to him as "the roller coaster" for his close calls in the ninth inning. But he always seems to get the job done no matter what situation presents itself. Todd has never been one to receive high accolades from the media. But looking at his total body of work it is easy to see that he has had a nice career. Jones is known for more than being a successful closer in the Major Leagues. He writes a weekly column entitled "The Closer" for the Sporting News. Todd is also a devout Christian and is outspoken about his beliefs. Jones isn’t flashy but he gets the job done and he is one of the really good guys in baseball on and off the field. That is why we salute Todd Jones of the Detroit Tigers
Brad Lidge Injury February 25, 2008
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The Phillies off-season acquisition of closer Brad Lidge from the
Houston Astros has hit a small speed bump. The 31 year old right
hander is going to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and
will miss anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. The good news is that Lidge
should be able to recover in time to pitch in early April. The
Phillies also have Tom Gordon in their bullpen and he should assume the
closer’s role until Lidge can return. Phillies fans shouldn’t worry.
Gordon has recorded 156 saves in his career and can hold down the job
until Lidge’s return. Also, the tear in Lidge’s meniscus is a small
one. Don’t be surprised to see Lidge ready for opening day. If he
isn’t though, Tom Gordon is great insurance to have in the Phillies’
bullpen.
Philadelphia Phillies Review February 23, 2008
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The reigning NL East Champion Phillies have one of the best lineups in
baseball. 2006 MVP Ryan Howard at 1B, Chase Utley at 2B and 2007 MVP
Jimmy Rollins at SS are the Big 3 for this team. All three of these
guys are potential MVPs of the National League and make this one of the
most dangerous lineups to face in baseball. However, that’s not all
the Phillies have. At 3B the Phillies recently acquired Pedro Feliz.
The former Giant has hit 22, 20, 22 and 20 home runs the last 4
seasons. Look for that number to increase this year. Also, don’t
forget about this team’s outfield. Shane Victorino will be in
center field. He has plenty of speed, a strong arm and has hit .287
and .281 the last two seasons. Pat Burrell will man left field once
again for the Phils. He has lots of power and is capable of 30
home runs and 90+ RBIs. While Burrell is a just a .258 career hitter
he did have on .OPS of .902 last season. The Phillies are hoping Geoff
Jenkins can play right field and provide some additional thunder from
the left side of the plate in this already powerful lineup. If he
falters or gets injured look for Jayson Werth to take over. The 6′5"
Werth may platoon with Jenkins in right field and fill in for Burrell in
left field occasionally. The Phillies have also brought in So Taguchi.
He can play all three outfield positions and will probably be used for
his defense and to pinch hit. Finally, the Carlos Ruiz will be the
starting catcher. He is the only starting player not to hit double
digit home runs last season.
The main question mark for the Phillies is pitching. The team’s ace is
Cole Hamels. The young lefty has struck out 322 men in 315.2 innings
in his short career. Following him in the rotation looks to be last
year’s closer Brett Myers. Jaime Moyer, Adam Eaton and youngster Kyle
Kendrick should round out the rotation. The arrival of Brad Lidge
allows Myers to go back to the starting rotation. Lidge had
respectable numbers last year and hopefully he will thrive with his new
team.
Even though the Phillies are the NL East’s defending Champions, they
will most likely be chasing the Mets once again. They did it last year
and maybe they can again this year. Don’t be surprised to see this
team try to add some pitching in July to help them win the East or the
wild card. Finally, will Chase Utley be this year’s MVP? Ryan Howard
won it in 2006 and Jimmy Rollins last year so maybe this year will be
his turn.
